Some star scientists carry out applied basic research and cooperate with companies to produce both articles and patents, while others concentrate on pure basic research to produce articles. The involvement of star scientists in corporate activities is an important factor in fostering an innovation ecosystem through which academic knowledge can be transferred to companies, and bring about innovation. This paper investigates the ways in which star scientists are involved with firms, with a focus on the San Diego region. We observed that, within the region, some star scientists who are hyperactive in the publication of articles and inactive in patenting were involved with a company as its co-founder.